Academic Programs & Learning
Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for Howard College in Big Spring, TX.
What About Academic Quality at Howard College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
60%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
45%
Part-time students continuing
How Howard College Compares
Howard College reports 60% retention — middle-of-the-pack for trade colleges. Combined with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, and 45% part-time retention, the school sits at expected levels on academic-quality indicators.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 25:1 means there are approximately 25 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 15% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Howard College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Howard College employs 89 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 100% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.
Where Do Online Students at Howard College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
100% of Howard College's exclusively online students are located in TX. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Howard College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:50.6% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at Howard College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Howard College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
With an FTE-to-headcount ratio of 0.51, Howard College's enrollment intensity reveals how committed students are to full-time study.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Howard College directly at 4322645000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 supports personalized learning
- 89 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from TX (100% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Howard College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.